Burnley 0-1 Liverpool: Player Ratings

Burnley 0-1 Liverpool

So Liverpool managed to get away from Turf Moor with all three valuable points against a very determined and stubborn Burnley side courtesy of a Raheem Sterling goal during the second half. With a total of 16 shots throughout the game, the hosts were harshly punished in the 62nd minute as the Reds walked away with an ugly win. Well, if you can’t be good, be lucky!

Here’s how the individuals fared during the win:

Brad Jones – 3/10

Wasn’t involved in much action today as the 32-year-old Australian was forced off very early in the game due to a thigh injury.

Kolo Toure – 5/10

Brought off during the interval for a more impressive Emre Can. Toure was hardly the one to blame in Burnley’s attacking opportunities, and is it just me or does the team’s 3-4-3 formation makes our hearts pound in extra trepidation every time the opposition is on the offensive?

Martin Skrtel – 6/10

One of the better games for Skrtel this season. However, there seemed to be a lack of communication at the back three today and the Slovakian international often looked the weaker one in the Liverpool defense. A poorly misjudged header deep into the second half nearly allowed Danny Ings a free sight on goal, but Simon Mignolet came to the rescue.

Mamadou Sakho – 7/10

A commanding figure in the Liverpool defence, and has been the perfect replacement for the unreliable Dejan Lovren at the heart of the Liverpool backline. Slide tackles were made with confidence and precision much to the delight of the travelling supporters.

Lucas Leiva – 6/10

An enforcer deployed to get all the dirty work done in the middle of the park for Liverpool. The Brazilian gave away a number of fouls today, and was rightfully booked for what the commentators called a ‘professional challenge’ on Scott Arfield.

Steven Gerrard – 6/10

No attacking role for Stevie G today as the iconic Anfield skipper was given a more holding role to partner Lucas in the center of the park. Gerrard was caught on the counter-attack by Burnley on one occasion during the first half but made up for it with some tidy passing after the interval. A sublime pass from him in the second half freed Rickie Lambert and the striker fired a cool finish down the bottom corner, just to be called for offside.

Jordan Henderson – 6/10

The England international had once again been utilized by Rodgers in a right midfield role, a position that he still seems uncomfortable in. Nevertheless, his work rate was high as usual as he proved to be the engine of the team yet again. Pressing and pressing and pressing, perhaps Henderson would be more influential in a center midfield role that we saw him excel in last season.

Lazar Markovic – 5/10

The Serbian youngster has undoubtedly improved in recent weeks, but he was a shadow of the lively figure he was against Arsenal a few days ago. Placed in a position behind Coutinho in midfield, Markovic had to cover plenty of ground today but he was more of a spectator in the second half. Not a day to remember for the former Benfica star as he was outplayed by George Boyd, who was magnificent for Burnley during the entire game.

Philippe Coutinho – 7/10

Well, that assist for Sterling’s goal, was some assist. It’s the art of a true world class playmaker and I can bet Liverpool fans around the world will enjoy watching that exquisite flick from the Brazilian over and over again. Other than that, he looked dangerous at times thanks to his close control and speed on the ball.

Adam Lallana – 7/10

Say all you want about him or bark out all the criticisms too if you have to, but Lallana has all the ingredients to succeed as a Liverpool player for me. His work rate and never-say-die attitude on the pitch reminds us (at least a little bit) of our former Liverpool player Dirk Kuyt. Alongside Henderson, the former Saints captain pressed the ball endlessly and managed to hit Burnley on the break on some occasions. According to Goal.com, Lallana is ‘looking more and more dynamic as time passes’.

Raheem Sterling – 7.5/10

Saved the day for Liverpool with a crisp finish into the net after rounding Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton. Apart from his match-winner, Sterling was relatively quiet throughout the game and his breaking runs failed to trouble the Burnley defense. Nevertheless, the newly-crowned Golden Boy of Europe was all smiles today having silenced critics alleging that he lacks the finishing touch.

Substitutes:

Simon Mignolet – 5/10

On the bright side, the Belgian international did not concede today (bearing the fact that Burnley did not manage a single shot on target all afternoon). On the other side, however, Mignolet was guilty of a few silly mistakes even an amateur goalkeeper would be utterly ashamed of doing. Here’s a footage of an error that some may find funny.

Yeah, what in the blue hell was that?

Emre Can – 7.5/10

Surprisingly, the German youngster looked impressively solid in defence for Liverpool after coming on for Kolo Toure at half-time. Some may have thought it was a tactical change, but Emre Can was subbed in to fill the Ivorian’s boots at right centre-back and we thought he was Jamie Carragher in disguise for a few moments.

Rickie Lambert – 6/10

The big forward had little time to establish himself again as he was substituted in for Philippe Coutinho in the 73rd minute. Linked up play well with Sterling after coming on and saw a subtle finish into the back of the net rightfully ruled out for offside.

Here are some post-match reactions from the Scousers on Twitter.

How do you think Liverpool played against Burnley? Who was your Man of the Match in the encounter? Feel free to tell us at the comment section below, and have a great Boxing Day everyone!